On the Plaza series offers summer fun, food, music on Detroit riverfront

New nature-inspired furniture and whimsical chairs make the GM Plaza a welcome retreat along the Detroit riverfront.

The Renaissance Center is sponsoring a new summer series of activities to help bring people to the Wintergarden area and Detroit riverfront to experience what the city has to offer.

GM RenCen On the Plaza will offer events 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday beginning June 9 to encourage nearby workers and visitors to come during their lunch break to check out the Detroit riverfront area and engage more with the city and its businesses.

"It's a really welcoming place and we are trying to make it more welcoming for workers and guests, and really connect with the community," said Kate Hopper, marketing manager of CBRE, which is working with General Motors Co. on the project.

Each day's activities will have a theme. For example, June 16 will be a Father's Day theme where companies like Cyberoptix Tie Lab will sell some of its apparel. Other activities during the summer include free bike rides provided by Wheelhouse Detroit, Canine to Five play dates for dogs, Zumba classes, pop-up shops and rotating food trucks near the Beaubien Place Garage.

There will also be a wide range of musical talents performing during lunchtime, including country artist Matt Gary, who will kick off series at 6 p.m. June 9.

"It's really exciting and colorful variety, spanning all kinds of musical genres to pop up shops," Hopper said. "And we are really going to highlight some tenants and things that are happening in the building from fitness to sustainability."

The program also allows the GM RenCen to show off its new furniture along with the Detroit riverfront.

"The vision for the GM Plaza was to provide a gathering place for the community," said Claudia Kileen, General Motors manager of Renaissance Center development. "We are thrilled to offer visitors and tenants the opportunity to experience Detroit's beautiful riverfront. Our new nature-inspired furniture and whimsical chairs make the GM Plaza a welcome retreat at the center of the Detroit business district."

The events will be free and open to the public June 9-Sept. 29. A complete schedule is available at gmrencen.com/ontheplaza.